Ukraine warns Russia against 'act of aggression' in Crimea

Ukraine's acting president has warned Russia that troop movements outside its naval base in Crimea would be seen as an "act of aggression". Armed men seized regional government headquarters and parliament and the Russian flag is flying from buildings

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A Russian news organisation has reported that Ukraine's Viktor Yanukovich has been seen in a Moscow hotel and is now staying in a Kremlin sanitorium just outside the city.

Viktor Yanukovich has not been seen publicly since Saturday. Credit: PA

Russian news agencies are reporting that Russia has agreed to ensure his personal safety.

"In connection with the appeal by president Yanukovich for his personal security to be guaranteed, I report that the request has been granted on the territory of the Russian Federation," a Russian source was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

After being voted out of his presidency by MPs last week, Yanukovich's whereabouts have been unknown.

The seizure of government buildings by armed men in Ukraine's Crimea region could lead to a regional conflict, the Polish foreign minister has said.

Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski was one of three EU ministers to mediate Ukrainian talks last week. Credit: PA

Radoslaw Sikorski said the move was "a drastic step and I'm warning those who did this and those who allowed them to do this, because this is how regional conflicts begin. This is a very dangerous game."

The German defence minister has also expressed concerns over the events on the Crimea peninsula, saying the breakup of Ukraine must be avoided.